Big events are on the horizon at Orlando-area theme parks and attractions.

+The grand opening of SeaWorld Orlando's Antarctica -- Empire of the Penguin is set for Friday morning. The area, considered the largest expansion in the theme park's history, includes a dark (and cold) ride with mild and wild options, a penguin habitat with underwater viewing room, a restaurant, gift shop and other sights. More info: SeaWorldOrlando.com.

+ Magic Kingdom's 24 consecutive hours of operation -- now more formally referred to as the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter -- kicks off at 6 a.m. Friday. Look for special events tied to the upcoming Disney-Pixar film "Monsters University," including character appearances, specialty foods and Monstrous merchandise. More info: DisneyParksBlog.com

+ Weekend II of Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios includes appearances by Ray Park (Darth Maul), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok) and Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars") on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Other activities such as meet-and-greets, Star Wars parade and the night-ending "Hyperspace Hoopla" show are also scheduled for those days. More info: DisneyWorld.com/starwars

+ Silver Springs plays host to rock bands Kansas and Night Ranger, who will co-headline a concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday. More info: SilverSprings.com.